What New Navy Plebes Go Through On Their First Day At Annapolis | Boot Camp | Business Insider

Summary

On a hot June day, over 1,100 freshmen arrive at the United States Naval Academy to begin their journey as future officers. The rigorous selection process admits only 7% of applicants, with the incoming class being one of the most diverse in years. Induction Day, or I-Day, initiates a six-week basic-training program, 'Plebe Summer,' designed to develop enduring leaders. The plebes undergo a series of tests, receive uniforms, and learn the Navy's customs, culminating in the Oath Ceremony and a final farewell to their families before their transformation into midshipmen.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Over 1,100 incoming freshmen arrive at the United States Naval Academy on Induction Day, the start of their journey to become future officers in the US Navy and Marine Corps.
• 🏆 The admission process to the Naval Academy is highly competitive, with only just over 7% of the more than 16,000 applicants being admitted.
• 👩‍🎓 The incoming class is notably diverse, with 26% being female and 40% represented by minorities, reflecting the Academy's commitment to inclusivity.
• 📚 Plebes are issued a 225-page book, 'Reef Points,' containing over 1,000 facts they are expected to memorize as part of their training.
• 🔍 Plebes undergo a rigorous initial screening process, including breathalyzer tests, medical screenings, and pregnancy tests for females.
• 💇‍♂️ Male plebes are required to shave their heads, while female plebes must wear their hair in a tight bun or keep it chin-length or shorter.
• 👔 Plebes receive uniforms and are instructed to transfer all belongings into a single bag, symbolizing the start of their uniformed service.
• 📖 Plebes learn the Navy's basic customs and courtesies, including the proper way to salute, as part of their initial training.
• 🗣️ The plebes recite the Oath Ceremony, pledging to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, marking a significant step in their commitment to service.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 After the Oath Ceremony, plebes have a brief 45 minutes to spend with their families before they fully immerse themselves in the Academy's program.
• 🚶‍♂️ The plebes' journey officially begins as they march into Bancroft Hall, signifying the start of their transformation into midshipmen.

Q & A

What event does the script describe as taking place on a sweltering Thursday in June?

The script describes the arrival of over 1,100 incoming freshmen, known as plebes, at the United States Naval Academy on Induction Day, or I-Day.

What is the significance of I-Day for the incoming freshmen at the Naval Academy?

I-Day marks the beginning of their time at the Naval Academy and the start of Plebe Summer, a challenging six-week basic-training program required for all future midshipmen.

How competitive is the admission process to the United States Naval Academy?

The admission process is very rigorous and competitive, with just over 7% of the more than 16,000 applicants being admitted to the Academy.

What is the gender distribution among the incoming class of plebes?

Twenty-six percent of the incoming class is female, indicating a significant representation of women among the new plebes.

What is the diversity representation among the incoming class in terms of minorities?

Forty percent of the incoming class is represented by minorities, making it one of the most diverse classes in recent years.

What is the significance of the book 'Reef Points' issued to the plebes?

The 225-page book 'Reef Points' introduces plebes to the Navy and the Naval Academy, and they are expected to memorize more than 1,000 facts from it, which they will be tested on throughout the summer.

What is the significance of the haircuts for male and female plebes?

Male plebes are required to shave their heads, while female plebes can wear their hair in a tight bun or keep it no longer than chin-length, symbolizing the uniformity and discipline of the Academy.

What is the role of the detailers at the Naval Academy?

Detailers are a select group of third-year midshipmen tasked with teaching proper protocol to the plebes and correcting them when necessary, as part of their training to become enduring leaders.

What commitment do midshipmen make regarding their service after graduation?

Midshipmen commit to five years of active-duty service after graduation, and while at the Academy, they receive a salary of $1,087 per month.

What is the significance of the Oath Ceremony for the plebes?

The Oath Ceremony is the culmination of everything the plebes learn on I-Day, where they swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and faithfully discharge the duties of their office.

What is the emotional impact of the final moments with family before Plebe Summer begins?

The final moments with family are emotional, as plebes get only 45 minutes to spend with their families and eat their last meal outside of the Academy mess hall before they have to say goodbye and begin their journey as midshipmen.

Outlines

00:00

🎓 Arrival and Induction at the Naval Academy

On a hot June day, over 1,100 new freshmen, known as plebes, arrive at the United States Naval Academy to begin their journey towards becoming officers in the US Navy and Marine Corps. The admission process is highly competitive, with only 7% of applicants being admitted. The incoming class is noted for its diversity, with 26% female and 40% minority representation. Induction Day, or I-Day, marks the start of Plebe Summer, a six-week basic training program designed to develop enduring leaders. Plebes go through a series of processing stations, including a final chance to dispose of prohibited items, medical screenings, and receiving 'Reef Points'—a book with over 1,000 facts they must memorize. They also get their uniforms and gear, and learn basic customs and courtesies, including saluting, before heading to their dorm at Bancroft Hall.

05:02

📜 Learning Protocol and Commitment at Annapolis

Third-year midshipmen, known as detailers, are tasked with teaching plebes the proper protocol and correcting them when necessary. They emphasize the importance of knowing the chain of command and maintaining proper military conduct. Plebes are expected to uphold the highest standards as they will become part of the detailers' family in the fall. Although tuition at the Naval Academy is free, midshipmen commit to five years of active-duty service post-graduation. They receive a monthly salary of $1,087, which they can save for after graduation. The day concludes with the Oath Ceremony, where plebes swear to support and defend the Constitution. They have a brief 45 minutes to spend with their families before the doors of Bancroft Hall close, signifying the official start of their journey as midshipmen.

Keywords

💡Plebe

A 'Plebe' is a term used to describe an incoming freshman at the United States Naval Academy. It is a key term in the script as it refers to the main subjects of the video, who are just beginning their journey at the Academy. The script mentions 'over 1,100 incoming freshman, or plebes,' indicating the large number of new recruits and emphasizing the rigorous selection process they have undergone to be there.

💡Induction Day (I-Day)

Induction Day, or 'I-Day,' is the first day of the plebes' time at the Naval Academy, marking the beginning of their military career. The script describes it as 'day one, known as Induction Day, or I-Day, which marks the beginning of their time at Annapolis,' highlighting its significance as the starting point of the plebes' transformative journey.

💡Plebe Summer

Plebe Summer is a challenging six-week basic-training program that all future midshipmen at the Naval Academy are required to complete. The script states, 'I-Day kicks off Plebe Summer, a challenging six-week basic-training program,' indicating the intense and foundational nature of this period, designed to prepare the plebes for their roles as future officers.

💡Diversity

Diversity in the script refers to the range of different backgrounds represented in the incoming class at the Naval Academy. The script mentions '40% is represented by minorities,' and Regoli states, 'This incoming class is probably one of our most diverse in recent years.' This concept is central to the video's theme of inclusivity and equal opportunity within the military institution.

💡Reef Points

Reef Points is a 225-page book issued to each plebe, which introduces them to the Navy and the Naval Academy. The script explains, 'Each plebe is issued a 225-page book, called "Reef Points",' and notes that plebes are expected to memorize more than 1,000 facts from it. This book is a crucial tool for the plebes' education and acculturation into the Naval Academy's traditions and expectations.

💡Barbershop

The 'barbershop' is a mandatory stop for plebes before they get their uniforms, where male plebes shave their heads, and female plebes have their hair styled according to regulations. The script describes this process, 'Before they get their uniforms, all plebes have to make one more stop: the barbershop.' This is a symbolic step in the plebes' transformation into uniformed midshipmen.

💡Detailers

Detailers are a select group of third-year midshipmen tasked with teaching proper protocol to the plebes and correcting them when necessary. The script introduces them as 'a select group of third-year midshipmen, are known as detailers,' and shows them in action, instilling discipline and knowledge in the new recruits.

💡Bancroft Hall

Bancroft Hall is the dormitory where the plebes live during their time at the Naval Academy. The script mentions it as 'the plebes head to their dorm, at Bancroft Hall,' signifying it as a central location for the plebes' daily life and interactions with their peers and superiors.

💡Oath Ceremony

The Oath Ceremony is a formal event where plebes swear an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. The script describes the ceremony, 'Everything the plebes learn on I-Day culminates in the Oath Ceremony,' emphasizing its importance as the moment they officially commit to their duties as future officers.

💡Active-Duty Service

Active-Duty Service refers to the commitment made by midshipmen to serve in the military for a specified period after graduation. The script states, 'but midshipmen commit to five years of active-duty service after graduation,' highlighting the long-term commitment and dedication required of those who attend the Naval Academy.

💡Navy's Basic Customs and Courtesies

Navy's Basic Customs and Courtesies are the protocols and manners that plebes must learn and follow as part of their training. The script mentions, 'Before leaving Alumni Hall, they learn the Navy's basic customs and courtesies,' including the proper way to salute, which is a fundamental aspect of military discipline and respect.

Highlights

Over 1,100 incoming freshmen arrive at the United States Naval Academy on Induction Day.

The process to be accepted into the Naval Academy is highly competitive and rigorous.

Induction Day marks the beginning of the plebes' time at Annapolis.

Plebes are motivated by a desire to serve their country and do something bigger than themselves.

I-Day initiates the Plebe Summer, a six-week basic-training program for future midshipmen.

The training program is designed to be difficult to develop enduring leaders.

Only 7% of over 16,000 applicants are admitted to the Academy.

The incoming class is one of the most diverse in recent years, with 26% female and 40% minorities.

The Academy, founded in 1845, is located 32 miles from Baltimore on the Chesapeake Bay.

Plebes undergo a series of processing stations including breathalyzer tests and medical screenings.

Plebes are issued a 225-page book, 'Reef Points', and are expected to memorize over 1,000 facts.

Male plebes shave their heads, while female plebes' hair must be in a tight bun or no longer than chin-length.

Plebes receive their uniforms and belongings are transferred into a single bag.

Midshipmen learn the Navy's basic customs and courtesies, including the proper salute.

Detailers, third-year midshipmen, teach proper protocol and correct plebes when necessary.

Midshipmen commit to five years of active-duty service after graduation, with a monthly salary of $1,087.

The Oath Ceremony is the culmination of I-Day, where plebes swear to support and defend the Constitution.

Plebes have a final 45 minutes with their families before beginning their journey as midshipmen.

The plebes march into Bancroft Hall, marking the official start of their journey to becoming midshipmen.

Transcripts

On a sweltering Thursday in June,

over 1,100 incoming freshman, or plebes,

arrive at the United States Naval Academy,

where future officers prepare to be commissioned

into the US Navy and Marine Corps.

Beth Regoli: To be accepted into the United States

Naval Academy, it's a very rigorous process,

it's a very competitive process.

Officer: How are you?

Narrator: We were there for day one,

known as Induction Day, or I-Day,

which marks the beginning of their time at Annapolis.

Plebe: I knew I wanted to serve my country,

so I knew I wanted to join the military.

Plebe: I just wanna do something bigger than myself.

Woman: I'm just so proud of him.

We have worked really long and hard for this moment,

and we just feel like all the hard work pays off.

Officer: Morning, welcome aboard.

Narrator: I-Day kicks off Plebe Summer,

a challenging six-week basic-training program

that all future midshipmen are required to complete.

Rob Mathewson: It's a difficult program

designed to be that way,

because what we're developing here,

the leaders that we're developing,

we expect to be enduring leaders.

Narrator: Just over 7% of the more than 16,000 applicants

were admitted to the Academy.

Twenty-six percent of the incoming class is female.

Plebe: It's pretty amazing to go in with my twin sister.

We've always had a really special bond.

Narrator: And 40% is represented by minorities.

Regoli: This incoming class is probably

one of our most diverse in recent years.

We want everybody to be on the same, even playing field,

so that we can build a common foundation

for them to continue to grow upon.

Narrator: Located just 32 miles from Baltimore,

the Academy is situated on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay.

It was founded in 1845

by Secretary of the Navy George Bancroft.

Newsreel reporter: Annapolis graduation

and ship assignments for fleet duty

go out to 384 new ensigns.

So, it's goodbye to midshipmen days, and into officer-hood.

Then, to the seven seas,

the call of duty for these new officers of a mighty fleet.

Chaplain: Good morning, big guy, what's your name?

Plebe: Matthew Newton.

Chaplain: Where are you from? Plebe: Alabama.

Narrator: Once inside Alumni Hall,

the plebes follow a green line

that takes them through 23 different processing stations.

Officer: Line up by your last name,

Permit to Report packet out.

Narrator: The second station gives the plebes

one last chance to discreetly dispose

of any fake IDs, alcohol, or drugs.

The plebes are breathalyzed

and screened by medical personnel.

Officer: 68!

Narrator: Female plebes have to take a pregnancy test.

Woman: Here you go, enjoy. Plebe: Thank you.

Narrator: Each plebe is issued a 225-page book

called "Reef Points"

that introduces them to the Navy and the Naval Academy.

Plebes are expected to memorize

more than 1,000 facts in the book.

Woman: You're gonna love it.

Narrator: Which they'll be tested on

throughout the summer.

Before they get their uniforms,

all plebes have to make one more stop: the barbershop.

Barber: There you go.

Narrator: Male plebes shave their heads.

Plebe: Oh, my God.

Narrator: Female plebes can wear their hair

in a tight bun.

Otherwise, it must be no longer than chin-length.

Then, it's time for the plebes to get their gear.

After uniform issue, they transfer

all of their belongings into a single bag.

(drum cadence)

Officer: So, the first basic response, repeat after me,

is, "Sir, yes sir." Plebes: Sir, yes sir.

Officer: "Sir, no sir." Plebes: Sir, no sir.

Narrator: Before leaving Alumni Hall,

they learn the Navy's basic customs and courtesies,

including the proper way to salute.

After that, the plebes head to their dorm

at Bancroft Hall.

Detailer: What's your company?

Narrator: And assemble on an area known as Red Beach.

Detailer: Charlie! Charlie!

Plebe: Charlie Five.

Detailer: Charlie Five?

Whoa, whoa, whoa, Charlie Five's down there.

Detailer: What do you keep smirking for?

You really think this is a game or something?

Narrator: A select group of third-year midshipmen

are known as detailers.

Detailer: No running, just walk fast.

Narrator: And are tasked with teaching

proper protocol to the plebes.

Detailer: Now, study, and know the entire

chain of command, do you understand me?

Plebe: Sir, yes sir.

Narrator: And to correct them when necessary.

Detailer: Your left hand,

what do you think is wrong with it?

That's right, I don't even have to tell you, right?

'Cause you knew it was wrong.

So don't let it happen again.

Don't shake your head.

Zachary Willford: These detailers have a genuine concern

for every single one of these men and women

coming into our class,

because these are the members

that are gonna be part of our family, come fall.

Detailer: Tuck it in, get it away, get it away,

Sir, aye, aye, sir. Plebe: Sir, aye, aye, sir.

Willford: These are the ones that we're gonna serve with

in the future, and they want them

to be the best that they can possibly be.

Narrator: Tuition at Annapolis is free,

but midshipmen commit to five years

of active-duty service after graduation.

While at Annapolis, midshipmen receive a salary

of $1,087 per month.

After graduation, the money they save

will be waiting for them.

Family members gather for one last look

at the class of 2023 before Plebe Summer begins.

Everything the plebes learn on I-Day

culminates in the Oath Ceremony,

held in Tecumseh Court. Officer: Face!

Officer: Class of 2023, please rise.

Do you solemnly swear that you will support and defend

the Constitution of the United States?

And that you will well and faithfully discharge

the duty of the office upon which you are about to enter,

so help you, God?

Plebes: I do!

Narrator: After taking the oath,

the plebes get 45 minutes to spend with their families.

And to eat, since this is the last meal they'll get

that isn't cooked in the Academy mess hall.

After 45 minutes, the plebes have to say goodbye.

Willford: Regiment, a-ten-hut!

Narrator: The 1,100 new plebes

march into Bancroft Hall.

And when the doors close,

their journey to becoming midshipmen officially begins.

(crowd cheers)